• Exciting opportunity to work with and learn from industry experts in the social research space
• Advance your career in data science and social research
• Convenient office location in Melbourne CBD
• Flexible work arrangement with hybrid work from home/office option

The Social Research Centre, part of the Australian National University, is dedicated to conducting world-class research that informs decision making and advances our understanding of Australian society. We have championed best practice methods for more than 20 years and are Australia’s largest social research and evaluation only agency.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior Data Scientist to join our company. Junior Data Scientists at the Social Research Centre work in the areas of data engineering and data analytics to process survey data and provide insights in an efficient, generalised and scalable manner. As a Junior Data Scientist with us, you will receive hands-on support, mentoring and training from our senior leadership, with the aim to progress you to a Data Scientist position typically within 12 to 18 months. Ideal candidates for this position are recent graduates eager to develop technical skills and experience in an industry setting, and a strong commitment to social research.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity, based at our Melbourne CBD office with hybrid work arrangements available. A suitable home workspace and reliable internet connection are essential.

Key responsibilities in this role

The successful candidate will be supporting other members of the Data Science Group on all tasks in the survey cycle, including survey sample preparation, data collection preparation, survey launch, administration of survey fieldwork progress monitoring, data processing, data analysis and visualisation, and other ad hoc data reporting. You will also be encouraged to contribute to package and web application development although prior experience in either is not required. Programming experience in R or Python is essential to be effective in this role. Previous professional experience in working with large datasets, databases or in computer programming will be highly regarded.

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience developing code and performing analysis using languages such as R (preferred) / Python.
• High attention to detail and the ability to identify inaccuracies in data, and a commitment to reproducible research.
• Ability to work independently to achieve outcomes in keeping with established standards.
• A keen interest in data engineering, problem-solving, innovation and continual development.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think "outside the box" to find creative solutions to problems.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with stakeholders and working well within a team environment.
• A bachelors / postgraduate qualification in one of the following areas:
  
  • Statistics and Mathematics
  • Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Political Science, Sociology)
  • Computer Science, Analytics or Informatics,
  • Or other related fields of study
• A good understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities pertaining to data confidentiality and privacy.

Desirable

• Educated in statistical analysis, or experience in modelling and inferential statistics.
• Experience with version control tools (e.g. Git).
• Experience in project management using collaboration platforms such as GitHub or Jira.
• Experience developing interactive dashboards and/or web applications using frameworks such as R Shiny or Django.
• Experience using relational databases including data management, retrieval, and ETL.

To apply for this position

Please submit your resume and cover letter addressing the key selection criteria via the "Apply Now" button.

Please note that applications that do not address the role's key selection criteria will not be considered. You must have full working rights in Australia to be eligible to apply.

For more information or for a copy of the position description, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected] using the subject line: Junior Data Scientist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The Social Research Centre values diversity and believes that an inclusive and fair work environment has a positive impact on the wellbeing of employees, job satisfaction and productivity. We encourage people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability to apply.